She’s THAT Mom is a blog
series that will highlight one mother who embraces an alternative
parenting philosophy, in hopes that we as mothers can learn from and
grow with each other. New moms will be featured regularily.
Leave a comment discussing your ideals,
thoughts, questions, or concerns, and what you agree and disagree with.
Looking forward to learning with you!
Meet Kelly- Our Booty Bustin’ Momma. Mother to two, Kelly has devoted herself to motivating women, just like you and me, to be the best moms they can be. Her passion for a healthy lifestyle and her journey into fitness training have allowed her to set a wonderful example for her children. As a mom herself, she knows the daily challenges we all face and offers some good advice on living up to your full, healthy potential!
1) How/when did you
begin your fitness journey and what changes
have you seen (physical and emotional), especially since becoming a
mother?
I had always taken fitness classes and
enjoyed them. After my second child was born I decided to take the
plunge
and become an instructor. I discovered a talent for motivating others
and have
enjoyed every moment since. One of my main motivations for becoming an
instructor in the first place was to show my daughter that I am a
strong,
healthy woman. I have become just that, emotionally and physically. It
takes a
strong individual to set and accomplish goals, especially when they are
physically challenging. I wanted her to see first hand how possible that
is
with a little determination.
2) So many new moms struggle with losing
those last pounds of baby weight. What are some realistic ways for new
moms to shed those pounds without spending hours in the gym?
My first recommendation is to give up refined sugars. Replace those with
a
natural alternative like Stevia. My second recommendation is to adapt
some sort
of physical regime which incorporates an activity that they enjoy. This
will help to ensure success. For example, I have found a lot of women
enjoy the boxing segments I do with them at my Booty Camp Fitness
sessions.
Once they’ve found an activity they enjoy they must take time to
incorporate it
into their weekly routine. It’s another reason why Booty Camp is so
effective. My clients are burning hundreds
of calories in one hour! Not to mention honing their physical and
mental muscles. This is why I continue to train boot camp style – you’re
getting the most bang for your buck in the shortest time possible.
3) What are the most
common obstacles you see mothers facing when
it comes to losing weight/getting fit, and what are ways for them to
overcome
them?
The role of a mother is selfless. We give, give and give but often don’t
take the time to recharge. This is one of the biggest mistakes we
make. Since I’ve dedicated time to fitness I have had more energy as a
parent (both mental and physical) than at any other time since my first
child
was born. It makes life as a parent SO much more enjoyable!
Mothers must take the time
to invest in themselves. Especially their
physical well being. Exercise releases endorphins – a mood enhancer,
hormone regulator, energy booster and self-confidence booster!
4) What is your family
fitness philosophy? How can mothers make
fitness a family priority, especially when faced with the preferred
video
games/TV watching?
I take my kids to the park whenever I can. I’ll do little things like
take
a soccer ball to school when my son and I go to pick up my eldest
daughter from
school. I throw it down on the school yard field and my son and I start
kicking
it around. Within two minutes almost the entire school yard has joined
in!
We walk as often as we can, rather than taking the car. And I make a
game
out of exercising with the kids – Who can do the most push ups…who can
hold
plank the longest etc…you can sell anything to kids as long as you put a
fun
spin on it! Make a game out of it. You’d be surprised how much fun you
have throwing around a frisbee in the park! And although it may take a
little
convincing to get them out the door, believe me – kicking a soccer ball
around
with your mom and/or dad is always more fun to a child than watching TV –
I
don’t care how much of a TV junkie your kid is!
5) If you could give a new mom, who is
facing huge emotional and physical changes, one piece of advice about
“getting yourself back”, what would it be?
EXERCISE! As I mentioned, it regulates
our hormones, our energy levels and mental clarity. Setting physical
goals and accomplishing them can be life changing. Being a strong, fit
and
healthy mother is one of the greatest feelings and no one can take that
from
you!